GB6 500kg dispenser "Tianlei"-1/2
The airborne dispenser outside the defense zone is an air-to-surface weapon system, which is a direct combination of two completely different logical development trends. The formation of these two trends can be traced back to the mid-1960s. One is the production and application of cluster bombs, which use a large number of small bombs of various types to be distributed over the target, thereby greatly improving the combat effectiveness of the aircraft's attack surface target. The second is that with the application of high and new technology to ground air defense systems, it has greatly promoted the demand and development of weapons outside the defense zone, enabling combat aircraft to throw weapons outside the defense zone, greatly improving the survivability of the aircraft itself.
GB6A 500kg power extended-range aerial dispersal weapon ("Tianlei"-2) is developed by adding an engine to the GB6 500kg aerial distributing weapon (gliding type, "Tianlei"-1) , One bomb two types. One type uses a solid rocket motor with a maximum range of not less than 150 kilometers; the other type uses a turbojet engine with a maximum range of not less than 280 kilometers. GB6A is a sub-munition and can be loaded with multiple sub-munitions individually or in a mixture. Similar products have been developed and equipped abroad, such as the American JSOW, the French "Apache", and the German "Taurus". The common feature of this type of weapon is to strike a variety of targets, not point targets.
Under modern battlefield conditions, the interception distance of air defense weapons is getting farther and farther, which requires that the range of ground attack weapons should also be longer, and the realization of strikes outside the defense zone can ensure the safety of the launched aircraft. Therefore, designers developed the GB6A 500 kg power extended-range aerial delivery weapon according to the needs of users.
GB6A adopts a "universal platform + modular load" design, and the load compartment can be loaded with various submunitions according to user needs. To obtain air superiority, anti-runway submunitions can be loaded to form a string of bullets on the runway. After the bullet penetrates the runway, it explodes underground, opens pits and forms a large area of ??bulge. If the aircraft cannot pass, it can prevent the aircraft from taking off. In order to delay the speed of the enemy's repair of the runway, submunitions can also be blocked in the loading area in GB6A, and distributed on the runway to kill and injure the enemy's repair personnel and vehicles. Area blockade submunitions can be loaded separately or mixed with anti-runway submunitions. In addition to anti-runway, regional blockade submunitions can also be used to block highways and cave entrances, relying on sound and light sensors to carry out targeted attacks, and even realize intelligent cluster attacks through satellite networking. In addition to loading sub-munitions, the dispenser can also be used for other purposes, such as loading supplies and distributing leaflets.
In terms of conductor system, GB6A is the same as GB6. Both are inertial and GPS satellite combined guidance, but the components have been miniaturized. Because the dispenser hits a surface target, the accuracy of the current guidance system can fully meet the requirements.
The GB6A warhead cabin adopts a modular design and can be loaded with various types of submunitions. For example, in order to strike targets such as air defense missile positions, aircraft and support equipment in the airport, tanks in the troop concentration area, armored cluster targets, etc., the GB6A can be loaded with terminal sensitive submunitions, which are equipped with sensors to detect tanks and armored vehicles and other targets. Top attacks can be performed on multiple targets at once.
If users have other requirements, there are more types of submunitions, such as cloud explosive submunitions, which are mainly used to detonate minefields or attack group armed personnel and other areas sensitive to shock waves; comprehensive effect submunitions, with arson and killing, Anti-light armor and other functions; cruise submunitions, with their own power system and reconnaissance equipment, can also be installed with warheads, on the one hand to transmit information to the party, on the other hand, it can also attack high-value targets, such as radar ; Carbon fiber submunitions can destroy the enemy's power and communication facilities.
There are different mounting solutions for different models, which must match the spreader and the platform, such as the transmission of target parameters, power supply, electrical and mechanical interfaces, and geometric compatibility. Fighters are divided into light and heavy. Some fighters may not be able to be mounted. As long as they can be mounted, we will consider matching the electrical interface and other aspects. When the carrier’s fire control system is not compatible with GB6A and cannot provide target parameters, the carrier’s fire control system equipment is designed separately and placed in the cockpit for pilots to drop bombs.
According to combat needs, the guidance method is selected for the difference between point and area targets. A high-precision guidance system is required to strike a target, and a single warhead is also required. These were considered in future development plans.
